LINDA SHOEMAKER: Proposed changes may mean fewer voters

SAN ANGELO, Texas - In the recent March primary, about 40 percent of Tom Green County voters chose a paper ballot. A new local elections committee is researching the possibility of changing our system by adopting vote centers, or “mega precincts.” Committee members were chosen by elections administrator Vona McKerley.

The advantage of vote centers is that voters can choose any of the centers and fewer polling places are used, perhaps saving money for county taxpayers, although some new equipment would be needed. Using vote centers would reduce the number of polling places from 26 to 17. (When I became party chairwoman in 2007, we had 60 precincts.) Thus the name “mega precincts” is used by the secretary of state.

The biggest disadvantage is that vote centers use only electronic ballots. A voter wanting a paper ballot must vote early or vote by mail. When McKerley was hired by the Tom Green County Election Commission, she pledged to offer paper ballots “as long as it was possible.” It will remain possible if we do not choose vote centers.

The use of vote centers or “mega precincts” is still in the experimental stage. A county must get permission from the secretary of state to change to this system. Fewer than 20 counties have tried the new system. Tom Green County Commissioners would have to approve the change. The local committee is being pressed to move forward to meet an August deadline for the November election.

Election administrators favor it because it is less trouble and fewer election workers are needed. A majority of the counties that switched to vote centers are Republican majority, as is our county. The Republican Party chairman and a majority of the members of the new committee favor this change.

The writing is on the wall. A decision has already been made. Our election administrator said our commissioners like the new idea, so there you have it. Despite record low turnout in recent elections, Tom Green County voters will be faced with yet another change.

My fear is that new confusion plus serious voter apathy will further reduce the number of our citizens who choose to vote. Another concern is that this new system would be used in a major midterm November election, which is not recommended by the secretary of state.

Some concessions have been made following two meetings of the local committee. Public hearings will be held for voters to express their opinion. Two of the minority precincts — 114, which votes at Southside Recreation Center at 2750 Ben Ficklin Road, and 124, which votes at Wesley United Methodist Church on MLK Boulevard — are on the list of potential vote center locations.

I hope you will follow this important election issue and attend a public hearing to let us know what you think.

Cheers for ACA

On a happy note, I am rejoicing because the Affordable Care Act has signed up 7 million new health insurance customers. I sincerely believe that America will soon enable all its citizens to obtain affordable health insurance.

We know that people can no longer be denied insurance because of pre-existing conditions and that parents can carry their children on their insurance to age 26. These features are very popular.

It is simply a miracle that the ACA signed up enough Texans to come very close to the original goal. This, despite constant negativity from Republican officials in Texas who have a monopoly on state government and hate both our president and his signature health care legislation. Next we must expand Medicaid.

Block walk

Tom Green County Democrats will meet at party headquarters, 416 S. Oakes, on Saturday to begin a block-walking project in Precinct 114. This is the major Hispanic polling location and voter turnout has been dismal. Perhaps with personal contact and information about the issues these folks will participate in greater numbers.

If you are interested in helping with this project, join us at 9 a.m. You can reach me by calling 450-0018 or 224-2944. The headquarters phone number is 655-VOTE (8683). “Get your motor running!”